"I had COVID a few months ago & could not prepare, so I did not expect this" - Aliaksandra Sasnovich after beating Emma Raducanu at Roland Garros
Aliaksandra Sasnovich delivered a repeat of her upset win at the Indian Wells Open last year by beating Emma Raducanu in three sets in the second round of the 2022 French Open on Wednesday. Sasnovich came back from a set down to take out the 12th seed 3-6, 6-1, 6-1.
Aliaksandra Sasnovich sort la championne de l'US Open Emma Raducanu au deuxième tour.
#RolandGarros https://t.co/Ey2hvI7Bn5
Speaking during her on-court interview, Sasnovich said that she was not prepared for "the crazy season" she's having as she had contracted COVID-19 during the pre-season. She added that she didn't expect things to be easy and that she was happy with her performance.
"Honestly, I had Covid few months ago," Sasnovich said during her on-court interview. "So I didn't prepare well for the crazy season, I didn't expect things to go easy, but yeah, I'm happy."
She went on to express her gratitude to fans, who she said made for a great atmosphere.
"Yeah, of course, It's very changed because much more people come to watch us [after Covid]," she conitnued. "Yeah, it's more. You feel more atmosphere."
Sasnovich said she was happy after having come through a tough match and joked that she hoped the crowd would support her more than her next opponent.
"I'm very happy with the win. it was a tough match," Sasnovich said. "Yeah, [at the beginning of the second set] I tried to play more aggressive, I think. Yeah, the point probably and mentally I was ready, you know, to play point my point."
"I hope they will support me next time," Sasnovich joked about the crowd. "But yeah, because I heard that for Emma, there was more support. Yeah, because obviously she is a Grand Slam champion. Yes, she's a great player."
Aliaksandra Sasnovich will face a stern test against Angelique Kerber in the 3R of French Open
Aliaksandra Sasnovich will take on another Grand Slam champion in the third round in the form of Germany's Angelique Kerber. The former World No. 1 survived a tight two-set battle against Elsa Jacquemot to book her spot in the third round. Kerber is now on a seven-match winning streak, having lifted the trophy at the WTA 250 event in Strasbourg in the lead-up to this year's French Open.
The German will, however, need to be at her very best to find a way past Sasnovich, who is also going through a purple patch. The Belarusian will be gunning for revenge against Kerber, who beat her in the second round in Strasbourg en route to the title.
Classic Angie 💪
@AngeliqueKerber advances to her first third round in Paris since 2018, muscling by Jacquemot 6-1, 7-6(2)
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